[For Junior High School Chorus] A Curated Selection of Challenging Popular Works and Classic Songs

Wasted wishesAKB48

[MV full] Negai-goto no Mochigusare / AKB48 [Official]

A track notable for its unusual 6/8 time signature and a mysterious melody reminiscent of Russian folk songs.

AKB48’s expressive harmonies pair perfectly with the original choreography, which evokes a wizard manipulating dolls.

Released in May 2017, the piece was broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” and was also selected as the required song for the Junior High School Division of the 84th NHK All-Japan School Music Competition.

Its appeal as a choral work is fully brought out, making it a song you’ll want to perform in school music classes and choir competitions.

Recommended as a piece that invites singers to reflect together on the meaning of making dreams and wishes come true.

Beyond the tearsShingu Auto

Hisamatsu Junior High School Chorus ~Beyond the Tears~

This work offers deep comfort to young people in their adolescence who are striving to overcome past sorrows and take a new step forward.

Released in November 1969 as an original song for NHK General’s “Stage 101,” it sold 210,000 copies.

Its gentle, consoling message for troubled hearts and its beautiful harmonies are truly moving.

Conveying the importance of looking to the future with a positive spirit, this piece is perfect not only for chorus competitions but also for milestones such as the start of a new school term or the graduation season.

Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro

Hata Motohiro - Promise of a Sunflower (choral/chorus version)

Hata Motohiro’s song, written specifically as the theme for a 3DCG animated film, is a moving piece that sings of an unending bond of love.

The gentle tones of the acoustic guitar and his clear, transparent vocals softly embrace the heart.

Released as a single in August 2014, it reached No.

4 on the Oricon Daily Ranking and earned a million-download certification for the single track, capturing the hearts of many.

Perfectly in harmony with the movie’s theme, this work resonates across time as a classic, making it ideal for choral performance.

It’s highly recommended for school events and gatherings where you want to deepen the bonds among friends.

Himeyuri no Tō (Himeyuri Monument)Sakushi: Yamamoto Kazuo / Sakkyoku: Iwakawa Saburou

[Chorus] Himeyuri Tower

This is a song with lyrics by Kazuo Yamamoto and music by Saburō Iwakawa that vividly depicts a tragic event in Okinawa.

To sing it with genuine feeling, start by researching the event described in the lyrics.

From a choral perspective, the atmosphere shifts—at times sorrowful, at times terrifying—making it challenging to perform.

How you express that wide emotional range will likely change how listeners perceive the piece.

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As many times as you likeDREAMS COME TRUE

EME-C3138 Again and Again / DREAMS COME TRUE [Mixed Chorus, 3 Parts]

An inspiring anthem by DREAMS COME TRUE that celebrates the strength to rise again and again.

Released in February 2005 as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Emergency Room 24 Hours (Season 3),” the track reached No.

3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

With its warm melody that empathizes with those striving to overcome setbacks and its grand arrangement, the song leaves a lasting impression.

It is also included on the album “THE LOVE ROCKS” and is beloved across generations.

A heartwarming piece that gently teaches the importance of believing in yourself and continuing to move forward when faced with difficulties—perfect for a choral performance at a school festival or as a closing number for a class presentation.

BelieveLyrics and Composition: Sugimoto Ryūichi

[Choral Song] Believe — Tokyo Tama Boys and Girls Choir

This is a choral piece filled with a warm, embracing melody and deep affection.

Ryuichi Sugimoto infused the song with themes of friendship, mutual support, and hope for the future.

Overflowing with a gentle desire to stand by someone who needs encouragement, this work was released in 1998 as the ending theme for NHK’s “Ikimono Chikyū Kikō” (A Journey of Life on Earth).

Its warm lyrics and harmonies are perfect for choir competitions that aim to deepen classroom bonds or for memorable graduation ceremonies.

Sung together with friends, it becomes a piece that resonates even more deeply.

March 9Remioromen

Remioromen – March 9

A song marked by lyrics full of kindness and a memorable melody.

Created to celebrate a member’s friend’s wedding, it gently portrays moments that evoke the changing seasons and feelings of gratitude toward loved ones.

The transition from a calm tone to a soaring chorus showcases Remioromen’s signature delicacy of expression.

Released in March 2004, the song drew wide attention as an insert track in the Fuji TV drama “1 Litre of Tears.” It’s a moving piece often performed at important gatherings—such as choirs and graduation ceremonies—where people come together.